ST. PETERSBURG, Florida -- It was another busy day for shoppers on Saturday, but this time the focus was on small businesses.

Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to spend money outside of the big box stores and support local merchants. Some small business owners say it creates quite the buzz.

Just like her chocolates, Amy Atari built Tres Suspiros from scratch. "It's very small, but I know I have a good product in my hands and I can develop that," she said.

For two years, she's created handmade treats. "Truffles, pao de mel -- that's big in Brazil -- chocolate covered honey cakes filled with dolce de leche."

While she loves what she does, being small isn't always sweet. Which is why she and other owners love the boost from Small Business Saturday.

"It creates a huge awareness for small businesses all across the area. It does a great job at signifying what our community is made of," said Nataly Balk with Singing Stone Gallery.

She and her husband have been creating and selling contemporary custom art jewelry for almost three years. "It's something nice that people enjoy, hand-made local items that are unique and one of a kind," she said.

Creating jewelry one unique piece at a time doesn't just grow their business, it helps their community grow as well. "We all spend local, we help employ your neighbors. We create a community here, so when you spend locally your money stays local."

Last year, more than one hundred million people across the country participated in Small Business Saturday.